An MRI performed on Kratz’s left knee Monday revealed a medial meniscus tear that will need to be repaired surgically. It is unclear when Kratz will have the surgery and a timetable for his recovery will not be known until doctors perform the surgery and survey the damage.

Cincinnati Reds slugger Joey Votto made it back in seven weeks from meniscus surgery last season, but that was considered optimum.

Kratz, 32, injured himself crossing first base in the ninth inning of Saturday night’s game at Milwaukee.

“He felt something pop,” manager Charlie Manuel said.

Kratz is the No. 2 catcher on the Phillies’ depth chart. Carlos Ruiz, the No. 1 catcher, is also on the DL. He suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain on May 19. The Phillies will not speed up Ruiz’s return because of Kratz’s injury (see story). Ruiz has been doing some running drills and hopes to play in some minor-league rehab games later this week. If all goes well, he could return to the lineup sometime next week.

The Phillies hope Chase Utley, recovering from a strained oblique muscle, will be ready to return next week, as well.